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Dental bridge pain persists
My dental bridge was recently replaced after 15 years due to sensitivity in the last abutment tooth. It was root-canal treated and a new bridge was placed. It has been 9 days since the new bridge was placed. I experience pain and occasional sensitivity in the last tooth. I had an OPG taken and the dentist says everything looks normal. He even reduced my high points twice. I even got a second opinion, for which the dentist said the RCT looks good, but if the problem persists then there's no option other than extracting the tooth. I only had a molar extracted on my other side and the other molar is waiting to be crowned. Now with this opinion, I am even more anxious and devastated as I could permanently lose all my molars on the lower jaw. The pain is still there and it gets worse in the morning after I wake up. But I can manage it for some time but it won't go away. I am seriously scared there might be a hidden tooth fracture that's not showing on the X-ray. Any advice is appreciated.
Answers (6)
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The RCT looks good
Please visit the dentist to evaluate
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Hi Did you have any pain after RCT and before placement of bridge? Sensitivity after RCT might be coz of incomplete rct or missed canal too. If high points are adjusted then you need to get the bridge removed and get your tooth evaluated.
Health Tips
Get other side crowns and implants done.. Single side chewing will increase your problems more
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Sensitivity can last for a few more days post treatment. But if you require medicine to manage the pain then i would suggest to visit the same dentist again so that she can check if the bite is correct or not.
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Pain or tenderness can sometimes persist for a few days to a couple of weeks after RCT and placement/replacement of a bridge, particularly if the tissues around the root are still inflamed or the tooth has been subjected to excessive biting forces. The fact that the pain is worse on waking can also sometimes be associated with clenching/grinding or increased occlusal load.
The OPG shown does not, by itself, establish that the tooth needs extraction. Also, a crack or root fracture cannot always be detected on a routine X-ray, so your concern is understandable.
Next Steps
Since the pain is still present 9 days after treatment, I would recommend a review with the treating dentist or preferably an endodontist. The tooth should be clinically evaluated for:
* Percussion and palpation tenderness
* Occlusion/high contact, even after previous adjustments
* Periodontal probing around the tooth
* Symptoms on biting/release
* RCT quality and possible missed anatomy
* Signs of crack/root fracture
A small periapical radiograph with appropriate angulation is generally more useful for assessing the treated tooth than relying only on an OPG. If the clinical findings remain inconclusive, the dentist may consider CBCT selectively.
I would not advise extraction solely because the pain is persisting at 9 days, particularly when two dentists have said that the RCT appears satisfactory. The cause should first be identified.
Health Tips
For now, avoid chewing hard foods on that side and avoid repeatedly testing the tooth by biting on it. If there is increasing pain, swelling, fever, pus, or difficulty opening the mouth/swallowing, seek dental care promptly.
And importantly, having one or more molars extracted does not mean that you will inevitably lose all your lower molars. Each tooth should be assessed individually, and a tooth with a satisfactory RCT can often be retained if the underlying problem is treatable.
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The root canal looks fine. And there are no visible reasons of pain. U can take cbct. Or extract the tooth as your dentist suggest. Also u can opt for implants for the missing molars in your lower jaw.
Next Steps
Ask about immediate implants from your dentist.
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Hello
You can get a cbct done with that tooth. It's a 3d xray in that details can be captured easily which are not visible on opg
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.